Magherafelt and Cookstown business leaders in race for prestigious awards

London Mayor Boris Johnson cuts the cake to celebrate Magherafelt company Windell's 30th birthday celebrations during Monday's visit to the factory. Looking on are Northern Ireland Secretary of State Theresa Villiers and Ian Henry (Windell Director).INMM0916-341

Michael McGlade

Published:07:48Wednesday 13 April 2016

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Four Magherafelt business men and one from Cookstown are shining a light for the local economy as they battle it out for prestigious director awards.

Brian McErlain, Brian Murray, Ian Henry, Brendan McGurgan and Allen Reid are five out of several Northern Ireland Directors shortlisted for the IoD NI First Trust Bank Director of the Year Awards.

The awards recognise leaders across the private, third and public sectors who have set exceptional standards of leadership and demonstrated good corporate governance.

The Mid-Ulster finalists have been nominated across several categories, as follows:

Brian McErlain CDir, Director at Genesis Crafty – Family Business Director of the Year, sponsored by BDO Northern Ireland.

Brian Murray, Director at The Workspace Group – Not for Profit/Public Sector Director of the Year, sponsored by First Trust Bank and Capita Managed IT Services.

Ian Henry, Director at Henry Group (NI) Ltd – Director of the Year in Leadership Corporate Responsibility, sponsored by First Trust Bank.

Brendan McGurgan CDir, Director of Cookstown-based CDE Global Ltd - International Company Director of the Year, sponsored by 4c Executive Search; Mid-Market Company Director of the Year, sponsored by the William J Clinton Leadership Institute; Young Director of the Year, sponsored by First Trust Bank

Allen Reid CDir, Director at Henry Group (NI) Ltd – Young Director of the Year, sponsored by First Trust Bank.

Following the Northern Ireland Director of the Year Awards, each winner will have the chance to be shortlisted for the UK Director of the Year Awards which are set to take place later in the year.

The IoD First Trust Bank Director of the Year Awards, hosted by Tim McGarry, will be presented at a lunch on Friday, 15th April, at The Merchant Hotel.

The awards, which consist of nine categories in total, have been judged by a panel of businessmen and women selected from various sectors. Each finalist is considered on how they demonstrate excellence in their organisation including financial performance, corporate governance, employee development and community engagement.